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Footwear

Shoes

Sneakers (optional): If you want, you can bring a lightweight pair of closed-toe shoes to wear around camp.

Socks

2-3 pairs of wool or synthetic blend socks.

Clothing

Upper Body Garments

At least one of the long-sleeved layers needs to be synthetic (i.e., polypropolene or comparable proprietary brand, fleece, etc.) or wool.

Inner layer

1 long underwear shirt or long sleeve shirt

1 short sleeve shirt or tank top

Outer layer

1 insulating layer (fleece, wool sweater, warm sweatshirt)

1 waterproof layer (poncho or rain jacket)

Lower Body Garments

1 pair of shorts: nylon is best

1 pair of pants: nylon is best, but lightweight cotton is acceptable. Long underwear bottoms are also an acceptable alternative.

2 pairs of underwear

Swimsuit

Headwear

Brimmed hat: for sun protection; a baseball cap is fine

Hat for warmth: for cooler evenings

Backpacks and Storage Bags

Backpack* of at least 3500 cubic inch capacity, preferable around 4000 cubic inches. Remember, you will be carrying some group gear in addition to your personal gear (food, part of a tent and/or cookware)

2 Trash compacter bags: to line your backpack with for protection from rain

Sleeping Gear

Sleeping bag*: with a rating of 30 degrees or lower

Sleeping pad*

Personal Items

Sunglasses

Chapstick

Sunscreen: with at least a 15 SPF rating (higher recommended)

Water bottles: at least 2 quarts total

Headlamp/flashlight: the smaller, the better

Toiletries**: toothbrush and toothpaste, etc. Keep it to a minimum. There will not be an opportunity to shower, so do not bring shampoo, etc.

1 Plastic or metal bowl

1 mug

1 fork and/or spoon

Any medications you will require during your trip

Optional Gear

Reading material: lightweight paperback

Cards

Journal (light and compact)

Sandals (for camp and for wading, heel strap recommended)

Gloves (lightweight – very nice if you get cold easily)

Camera (bring a couple ziplocks to protect it if it’s not waterproof)

Swimsuit (most trips will pass by lakes – some choose to swim in their hiking clothes or not at all, so swimsuits are optional)

Clean clothes to leave in the van/bus and change into at the end of the trip

Insect repellent

Do Not Bring

Alcohol or illegal drugs

A different outfit for each day

Personal electronic devices other than a cellular phone (cell phones for emergencies only—they must be switched off during trip)

An old candy bar in a jacket pocket that Mr. Bear would love to eat

Only cotton clothes

Other miscellaneous deadweight, e.g. your high school yearbook, etc.

Non-essential toiletries (sorry, but this does include shampoo)

Packing Tips

Keep the pack and gear separate from the rest of your luggage so it's not necessary to sort through all your stuff the night before your trip's departure. If you are renting a pack, bring a separate duffle bag with all your gear so it is easy to transfer to your rental pack. Slide-lock ziplock bags are a great packing aid. For maximum storage efficiency, you might also try compression bags. Compartmentalize where possible (e.g., camera + film in a ziplock bag). Don't worry if you're having trouble figuring out how to pack your pack; your leaders will help you out before your trip departs.

Pack light, everything you bring, plus group gear, will be on your back.

OA leaders will conduct a gear check before your trip departs—you must have all essential items in your possession in order to depart with your group (excepting some items that can be shared, such as sunscreen).

*Packs, sleeping bags, and pads are available free of charge upon request.

**Hygiene Information: Note that OA follows a stringent “Pack it In, Pack it Out” philosophy. Plastic ziplocks will be provided to pack out toilet paper and feminine hygiene products.

Please contact us if you need to request gear or if you have any questions (phone: 909. 607.2531 email: oa@pomona.edu)

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